Ilse is the third generation on her mother's side who shows great artistic talent. After high school, Ilse started a career in the South African Police Service as a Police artist, drawing wanted criminals, stolen goods, designing pamphlets, posters, ext. Her background as an identikit artist laid the foundation for her exquisite style. Ilse only started to paint with acrylic late in the 1990's, doing small projects only for family and friends. She soon discovered the magic of painting in oil and never looked back. After a career of 16 years in the South African Police Service, Ilse pursued her dream and started painting full time in 2006.